Everton news: Andre Gomes exit moving at ‘snail’s pace’ as Lille eye permanent transfer
Lille remain keen on signing Everton midfielder Andre Gomes on a permanent basis this summer but a deal is moving at a “snail’s pace”, according to Le 11 Lillois.
The Portugal international enjoyed life in Ligue 1 last season while on loan, but La Voix Du Nord shared that the French club can’t afford to sign him permanently this summer due to his high wages.
The Toffees are unlikely to sanction a second loan deal given the player’s contract expires last season and a transfer remains “unlikely but not impossible”.
Complicated
Everton cannot afford to keep hold of driftwood heading into next season, so a permanent suitor for Gomes has to be found.
The club have been precariously close to relegation from the Premier League for two successive seasons now, and a major squad overhaul is needed for Sean Dyche if he wishes to progress up the table and away from danger next campaign.
The likes of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina have already sealed their Goodison Park exits, and it feels like it is only a matter of time before Gomes follows suit.
If Lille want to sign him, they ought to do it quickly because the 29-year-old is likely to have alternative suitors across Europe this summer.
He was one of Paulo Fonseca’s star players on route to finishing fifth in Ligue 1 last term, and it comes as no surprise that they want to keep him on board moving forward.
In other Everton news, the club have settled their case with former manager Carlo Ancelotti